A lower section of the Grand Canyon, as seen from Cape Royal at the less-frequented but more-spectacular North Rim. Photograph by Alex Noriega, My Shot

On September 23 at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, 75 endurance athletes representing 15 different countries will take off on a self-supported, seven day, six stages,160-mile, adventure called the Grand to Grand Ultra. Carrying all their food and gear, they will run through canyons, sand, around Zion National Park, ascend and descend a combined 39,000 feet and finish on the summit of the Grand Staircase on September 29.

Competitors in the G2G Ultra include Everest summiteers, Badwater ultra-marathon veterans, and endurance world record holders … and then there is me.

I’ve run a handful of half-marathons and that is it. What I bring to the table is experience as a backpacker, having climbed and hiked trails all over the world. The G2G Ultra combines the endurance aspects of ultra-light backpacking with distance running. This challenge intrigues me.

My journey training and researching the “ideal” gear, apparel, footwear, and nutrition has been a transformation. Whether it works or not, we will find out very soon!

Training

In April 2012 I entered the G2G Ultra, giving me half a year to train. I was in shape, but still wearing that extra ‘winter’ weight. That would have to go. I needed to condition my feet and body to handle running back-to-back marathons, on trails of sand, dirt, and rocks with a 20-pound pack—and all this at elevations ranging from 5,203 feet to 9,030 feet. I live in Nashville, Tennessee, a whopping 597 feet above sea level.

So, I have spent the past six-months running over 500 miles on trails, sand, and roads in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains and Florida’s beaches. For elevation training, I went to Colorado and Montana. I trekked more than 200 miles, up and down 14ers, the Manitou Incline and in Glacier National Park.

A firm believer in yoga cross training, I upped my practice of aggressive Vinyasa/Ashtanga yoga to 20 hours a week. My mind and body are “balanced,” stronger then ever and I can turn myself into a pretzel.

A week away from the big race, I passed my required sports physical with flying colors. Blood pressure is near-perfection measuring 112/81 and I lost 11 pounds!

Gear, Apparel & Nutrition

The key is ultra-light weight! I don’t want my backpack to weigh more then 20 pounds. Taking into account the courses variables, I researched everything and created a spreadsheet (like the nerd I am) with formulas calculating calories, clothing and gear per ounce.

Weather and temperatures will fluctuate between mid-80F during the day to 40F at night. Overheating to hypothermia are threats, as are flash floods in the canyons if it rains.

Altitude sickness is a possibility given the 5,203 feet to 9,030 feet course elevation.

Blisters are my biggest concern. I don’t like sand and a large section of the course has us running through it. One grain of sand can destroy your feet, and race, if not taken care of immediately.

With regard to nutrition, the race organizers are requiring competitors to carry a minimum of 14,000 calories (2,000 calories over seven days) of food. Balancing maximum energy versus calories while replenishing electrolytes, salt, and keeping the body healthy must be considered.

Water will be provided during the race.

Taking into account all the above—and my budget—this is what I have come up with for a 20-pound pack:

32L Osprey Hornets backpack

Leki Carbon trekking poles (Realistically, there is no way I am going to be able to “run” all 160 miles, given the terrain and altitude. Trekking poles will help distribute pack weight and relieve pressure off my back, hips, and knees)

Western Mountaineering down-filled, UltraLite sleeping bag weighing in under 2 lbs. with a 20F+. *Biggest expense

Doubling up on socks, combining Swiftwick compression with Wigwam’s wicking.

Ankle gaiters

Light weight, trail running shoes, sturdy enough to balance a 20-pound backpack with good traction soles to handle the terrain.

2 pairs of clothing, one for the day and another to sleep in at night. *I plan on washing my stinky, sweaty shorts and top each evening. Maintaining some resemblance of hygiene is important and I like to minimize my backpacker funk as much as possible.

I will also have a first-aid kit, compass, headlamp, 3L hydration bladder, 1L Nalgene bottle, SteriPen and a few other essentials.

There are many other gear, apparel, and nutritional options. It can be overwhelming determining what is best and within budget. That being said, I feel confident in what I have picked for me.

Lets be clear, I am no threat to win the Grand 2 Grand Ultra. I just want to finish the race. It is not about ‘winning’ for me. I am competing against myself. The journey to the race has been an amazing experience, learning and pushing my body. I am excited for the start on September 23rd. Wish me luck!

Comments

ChrisPCritter

September 18, 2012, 9:04 am

Having watched your training and preparations for several months, I think you’re more than prepared physically. The mental aspects will be just as important to finish the race and I think your life experiences have prepared you for those as well. I hope the G2G gets more coverage because of your involvement and I look forward to reading up on your race experiences after you’ve completed it. Best of luck!

carol

Austin, TX

September 18, 2012, 9:34 am

What an inspiration! Good luck to you Payge, I know you’ll do great, you always do what you set your mind to do. And you’ll have an angel looking down on you rooting you on from up above. Go get ’em!

Serenity Coyne

Boston

September 18, 2012, 9:55 am

I’m like u Payge. Definitely not an elite or even an ultra runner but events like this capture my passion for the great outdoors and pitting myself against…..well , myself. Thanks for sharing your journey

Sarah Lavender Smith

Piedmont, CA

September 18, 2012, 10:01 am

Payge, this is an excellent overview and I think you’ll kick some serious a** with your backpacking background. As you know, I come from a trail running/racing background, and the challenge for me has been to learn to slow down, cultivate patience, and run/hike with weight on my back. That, plus the challenge of figuring out what to take. Sounds like you’ve done a great job with your preparation. If anyone would like additional perspectives and details on Grand to Grand Ultra prep, I wrote about my training & gear/food list on my blog, http://TheRunnersTrip.com. See you in Kanab and I can’t wait to do this journey with you and all the others.

Jill Williams

Kanab, UT

September 18, 2012, 10:07 am

GOOD LUCK! I live in Kanab and it’s a pretty big deal here I am totally jealous of you. I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Enjoy the experience and take a lot of photos (didnt see a camera on your list.. you better pack one!)

So crazy and awesome! All of Nashville is routing for you! Can’t wait to hear about the adventure when you get back. So glad NG posted this! Lots of great info.

Bonnie McMillan

Carbondale, IL

September 19, 2012, 8:30 am

We’re pulling for you Sweetie! You CAN do this.

Audrey Burgoon

Pittsburgh, PA

September 19, 2012, 12:56 pm

Sorry to admit this, but I decided that I’d let the inagural participants be the guinea pigs and so that I could gain the benefit of their knowledge and expertise and do G2G next year. Thanks so much for graciously sharing this information. Have a great race! Looking forward to a post-race summary from you!

David Scott

Nashville, TN

September 19, 2012, 3:38 pm

Thanks for the preparation perspective. Looking forward to the post race review! Question(s): Is this an invitation-only event? And what would be the entry cost for a non-sponsored enthusiast? Just curious. – Carpe Canyon PMac!

Helen Hegener

Big Lake, Alaska

September 22, 2012, 1:13 pm

Thanks for sharing your latest awesome adventure, and I’m wishing you the very best of luck, Payge! See you at Iditarod 2013!